These are the bookshops in Hampshire you’re going to want to pay a visit. From second hand literature to brand new releases, you’ll find some wonderful stores to discover and explore in this handy guide.
Over the past few years I’ve fallen back in love with reading. I’ve discovered Hampshire’s got some incredible local independent book shops in addition to the big high street retailers.
Have an explore of the book shops of Hampshire and maybe tie one into your next trip. I’d love to hear in the comments if you’ve visited one of these spots and what books you’ve come home with.
Goldfinch Books
š Alton
This book shop has a cafe right at the back and lots of seating which makes it a really nice stop. They also have a solid events rota and some great talks and authors visit.
Bookends of Emsworth
š Emsworth
At Bookends you’ll find a good selection of second hand books. The coastal location means it’s a great place to tie in a walk too, just make sure you walk first, buy books later, unless you’re training for your next backpacking trip!
The Hayling Island Bookshop
šHayling Island
This is the smallest village bookshop in the UK. The shop is tiny, charming and a hundred percent worth a stop when nearby.
The Bookshop
š Lee-on-the-Solent
Open since 1933 The Book Shop is a charming addition to this sea front village, it’s friendly, warm and it’s so nice to pick up a book and then walk to the beach to read.
The Imaginarium
šLymington
Small but mighty, this is easily one of my favourite book shops in Hampshire. The magical The Imaginarium is an independent bookshop with a focus on fantasy, folklore and magic. They have a children’s, chart and other sections too.
One Tree Books
šPetersfield
This award winning independent bookshop is nicely laid out and has coffee at the front and a cafe at the back of the store, it’s a coffee book buying sandwich. Terrible website (as of October 2024) so I suggest a follow on Instagram instead.
Pigeon Books
š Portsmouth
CLOSED FROM FEBRUARY 2025: This independent was small with a great curated collection of books, it stocked a wide range of topics and there was a strong LGBT+ section with some brilliant suggested reads.
Forbidden Planet
š Southampton
Well know for it’s cult status among fantasy fans, Forbidden Planet has been a longstanding mecca for fantasy and graphic novels too. I’ve been a customer of the Southampton branch since it used to be a tiny shop by Debenhams, it’s now a megastore! I’ve also been to them all over the world, New York was a particular highlight.
October Books
š Southampton
So, the origins of this store are rooted in freedom of speech and are really quite interesting, give it a Google if that’s your sort of thing. I think it’s also the city’s largest independent bookshop. There’s a nice range of books, and some great suggestions too. Don’t miss the eco shop at the back.
P&G Wells independent bookshop
š Winchester
Undoubtedly P&G Wells independent bookshop is the most historic bookshop in Hampshire having been where Jane Austen shopped for books which, in my humble opinion, gives it iconic status. It’s the sort of place that feels wouldn’t be out of place if you saw Harry and Ron walking through it like they had to pick up some books for the next term at Hogwarts. Mrs Weasley, is that you?
Other Winchester bookshops
š Winchester
Have a good rummage in second hand book heaven at Winchester Cathedral Deanery Bookstall and Oxfam Books and Music is a must. There’s even a few books lined up on the wall at Kingsgate Prints and Books. The Winchester Bookshop is a second hand, historic spot and hidden in plain sight.
Book Shopping in Hampshire
Enjoy adding to your TBR pile, I hope this round up of Hampshire book shops is useful and encourages you to explore some different corners of this brilliant county. Drop me a comment and let me know what books you’ve picked up and where you’ve visited.
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